Scan barcode
emeraldsanto's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie is a classic whodunit that showcases the author's mastery of the mystery genre. Set in a quiet English village, the story unfolds after the murder of the wealthy and enigmatic Roger Ackroyd. The narrative is presented from the perspective of Dr. James Sheppard, a reliable and observant narrator who becomes intricately involved in the investigation.
One of the notable strengths of this novel is its construction. Agatha Christie weaves a carefully crafted plot, full of intricate details and red herrings that keep readers guessing until the very end. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the suspense to build gradually, and the twists and turns are cleverly executed. Christie's attention to detail is commendable, and her ability to create a closed-circle mystery in a seemingly idyllic setting is truly remarkable.
However, I did not find the book as exciting as I had hoped. While the story is well-constructed, some readers may find the pacing a bit slow at times, especially if they are seeking a more action-packed or adrenaline-fueled thriller. The murder investigation primarily unfolds through conversations and interviews, which may not offer the same level of excitement as more dynamic plot developments.
One of the notable strengths of this novel is its construction. Agatha Christie weaves a carefully crafted plot, full of intricate details and red herrings that keep readers guessing until the very end. The pacing is deliberate, allowing the suspense to build gradually, and the twists and turns are cleverly executed. Christie's attention to detail is commendable, and her ability to create a closed-circle mystery in a seemingly idyllic setting is truly remarkable.
However, I did not find the book as exciting as I had hoped. While the story is well-constructed, some readers may find the pacing a bit slow at times, especially if they are seeking a more action-packed or adrenaline-fueled thriller. The murder investigation primarily unfolds through conversations and interviews, which may not offer the same level of excitement as more dynamic plot developments.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Addiction, Classism, Drug abuse, Death, Medical content, Drug use, Murder, and Suicide
bringmybooks's review against another edition
challenging
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I love Agatha Christie, and I really really liked this book - but even though it gets 5 stars from me (I really did like it!!), I also feel just the slightest bit let down.
B̷R̷I̷N̷G̷ ✨ 𝗕𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 ✨ B̷Y̷P̷A̷S̷S̷
I think this is a result of being told for years upon years upon years upon years that this is the best mystery novel ever written, that it is Christie at her penultimate, that this book is the absolute bedrock upon which so many others have followed.
It was rather a weird way to feel upon finishing, because I genuinely loved it (also, this was my first Poirot!) and I thought the last two pages were BRILLIANT - but I was also left with a bit of, “Yeah, I mean, that was wild but … also?”
It definitely makes me want to read up more on the history of these sorts of novels and just how much of an impact Roger Ackroyd made on other books that followed because I would really like to better understand the cultural impact.
OKAY BUT - all of that being said: Should you read it? YES.
If you want to read this so that you can cross it off your list, I think a library borrow would be totally reasonable.
However, if you’re planning on reading more than just this one in the Poirot series, buy it so that all of your editions match and are beautiful!
(I’m looking at the Vintage reprints myself: ISBN 9780593466360 for TMORA).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Suicide, Classism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Misogyny, and Murder
Minor: Antisemitism
fraise's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Blood, Sexism, Classism, Suicide, Addiction, Death of parent, Drug abuse, and Grief
Minor: Infidelity, Animal death, Alcohol, Blood, and Medical content
hollystopreading's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One of the BEST agathia Christie books (I’ve read so far) shocked more ppl don’t talk about it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Murder, Drug abuse, Toxic friendship, and Death
daryn's review
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, Violence, and Suicide
Moderate: Drug abuse, Medical content, and Addiction
nocturneinskymajor's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Suicide, Alcoholism, and Drug abuse
lajoy's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Murder, Suicide, Classism, and Drug abuse
lalu's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
This was sooo good! The way all those little details, truths and lies come together was ingenious. I especially enjoyed the extremely subtle hints that pointed towards the murderer.
I guessed who it was around the 70% markwhen Caroline calls her brother weak and a few minutes later Poirot describes the murderer as having "a strain of weakness—deep down". But to be fair I had read beforehand that the book ends with quite a plot twist and was therefore looking out for these kinds of hints. And I was nevertheless amazed that I had been correct.
I guessed who it was around the 70% mark
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Medical content, and Murder
Minor: Drug abuse
violetaalseide's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Suicide, and Death
Moderate: Drug abuse and Violence
neverlandpages4's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Death